Khaleda Zia, a pivotal figure in Bangladesh's political landscape and the country's first female prime minister, has passed away at the age of 80. Her death marks the end of an era defined by her long-standing rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, which shaped the nation's politics for decades.

Rise to Political Prominence

Born in 1945 in Dinajpur, then part of British India, Khaleda Zia emerged from a life of relative obscurity following the assassination of her husband, Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. Rahman, a former president and military hero, had played a crucial role in Bangladesh's independence. After his death, Zia took up the mantle of leadership, joining the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and eventually becoming its leader.

Leadership and Legacy

Zia first assumed the role of prime minister in 1991, following Bangladesh's first democratic elections in two decades. Her tenure was marked by significant reforms, including the reintroduction of parliamentary democracy and efforts to improve women's education. Despite losing power in 1996, she returned to office in 2001, forming alliances with Islamist parties, which drew criticism over the years.

Political Turmoil and Imprisonment

Zia's political journey was fraught with challenges, including accusations of corruption during her second term. In 2018, she was convicted and sentenced to prison, a move her party claimed was politically motivated by her rival, Sheikh Hasina. Zia's health deteriorated during her imprisonment, but she was released following a 2024 uprising that ousted Hasina from power.

A New Chapter for the BNP

As Bangladesh prepares for elections in February 2026, Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, has returned from 17 years of self-imposed exile to lead the BNP. The party, now seen as a frontrunner, aims to capitalize on the political shift following Hasina's fall. Rahman's return signals a potential new chapter for the BNP, as it seeks to regain influence in Bangladesh's political arena.